Qatar represents a genuine opportunity for diversifying your market. With one of the fastest growing middle class consumer bases in the developed world, coupled with strong economic growth, it is a dynamic nation in a growing region.

We invite you to join us as we work to deepen the Australia and Qatar bilateral relationships across investment, commercial and people relationships.

Qatar at a glance:

GDP (PPP) as at 2018: USD$160.00 billion
Population: 2,881,053
Government: Unitary Constitutional Monarchy
Capital: Doha
Global Peace Index: one of the 30 most peaceful countries in the world as well as one of the safest Home to 180 different nationalities

The Qatar Chamber:

The Qatar Chamber is based in Doha and provides the following information and can be found in full here.

Mission:

To represent and support the Qatar business community and highlight the available business opportunities within the various sectors and industries in Qatar.

Objectives:

Regulating, representing, defending and promoting the commercial, industrial and agricultural interests.

Support and develop the economy and productivity for the advantage of the country in general and the interests of its member companies in particular.

Support and develop a sustainable business environment for local and foreign businesses.

Developing the international trading system and enhance its cooperation with other chambers of commerce around the world.

Enhance Qatar’s economy diversity and attract foreign investments.

Exert all possible efforts to enhance the position of Qatar as an international centre and destination for business and investment.

Qatar has witnessed great developments at all levels enabling its economy to achieve consistent and sustainable growth rates. As a result, Qatar is now considered one of the most attracting countries for foreign investments.

H.E. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Jassim Bin Mohammed Al Thani
Qatar Chamber Chairman

Qatar’s government structure includes ministries, supreme councils and other government agencies. Qatar’s institutions of public administration are evolving rapidly and striving to meet the needs of citizens and customers of institutional services. About 90,000 employees, including Qataris and expatriates, work in the government and other public sector institutions.

Qatar’s system of government

The system of government in Qatar is based on the separation and collaboration of powers. The executive authority is vested in the Emir and the Heir Apparent, who are assisted by the Council of Ministers as specified by the Constitution, while the legislative authority is vested in the Advisory Council.

The Emir

The Emir is the Head of State and represents the country internally, externally and in all international relations. He is also the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, which he supervises with the assistance of Defence Council, set under his direct authority. The judicial authority is vested in courts of law; and court judgments are proclaimed in the name of the Emir.

The Emir is assisted by the Council of Ministers, or Cabinet, Prime Minister and six supreme councils. The Emir appoints the prime minister and ministers, accepts their resignations and relieves them from their posts by Emiri Decrees. He entrusts the tasks of each ministry to a minister or the Prime Minister in accordance with the Emiri Decree designating the appointment.

Prime Minister and Cabinet

The Prime Minister chairs the sessions of the Council of Ministers and supervises work coordination between different ministries with the vision of achieving unity and integration among all government branches. He also signs the resolutions issued by the Council.

The cabinet is formed by an Emiri Decree based on the proposal of the Prime Minister. The responsibilities and authorities of the ministers and government departments are specified according to the law. The Council of Ministers – being the supreme executive authority in the country – is mandated to monitor all internal and external affairs within its jurisdiction in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and the law.

Ministries and other government agencies are responsible for executing public policies and programs relevant to them.

History of Government

Constitutional development in Qatar generally keeps pace with the country’s economic growth. The first provisional constitution was issued in 1970 before independence, and was amended in 1972 after independence, to cope with the requirements of the new phase. In 1999, free elections were held to form the Central Municipal Council for the first time in the history of Qatar.

In 2008, the government underwent restructuring and moved toward a ministry portfolio-based approach, which made ministries accountable for specific policies. This approach put the focus on outcomes, increased cross-ministry cooperation and reduced fragmentation in decision-making.

Institutional Development and Modernization

Qatar needs strong public sector institutions to reach the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030) for social progress, human development, a sound and diversified economy and a sustainable environment. Achieving these goals requires institutional and organizational capacity building, efficient and transparent delivery of public services, fruitful public‑private cooperation and partnerships, a vibrant climate for business and a larger space for civil society.

In order to fulfil these requirements, public sector development and modernization will focus on developing the capabilities of state institutions and strengthening their collaboration amongst each other. Building the foundations of the future state and ensuring high levels of government performance will require extensive collaboration and a culture of teamwork among line ministries and agencies at all levels — ministers department heads and section heads — and strong leadership. Critical in moving the public sector forward are the support of top leadership and greater power for middle management.